The LGBT Resource Center at Grand Valley will be named for Milton E. Ford, professor of liberal studies and founding director of the center. Ford died March 19 after a long battle with cancer. He was 72.

The LGBT Resource Center opened its doors in the Kirkhof Center in 2008. At the time, Ford said the office space represented important progress for the university to recognize a need for students to feel comfortable and for everyone to be treated equally.

“It is very fitting that the LGBT Resource Center be named in Milt’s honor,” said President Thomas J. Haas. “Milt was instrumental in creating a positive environment at Grand Valley where people know that inclusion and diversity are valued. Through diversity we become a university.”

Provost Gayle Davis called Ford her hero. “Milt’s contributions to Grand Valley were enormous, and his personal characteristics and values rare. He cared deeply for his campus community of colleagues and students as evident in the many ways he supported us all,” she said.

Ford joined Grand Valley’s faculty in 1973 and celebrated receiving his 40-year service award in December. A compassionate teacher and lifelong researcher, Ford is remembered for leading efforts to integrate the LGBT community with university academics and its student life.